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For new cooks, the prospect of hosting your first dinner party may seem daunting. You may be intimidated by the chefs you see on TV shows and feel you can't prepare the kinds of meals that they do. Don't worry; you don't have to.

As a personal chef, I used to spend a great deal of time cooking in someone else's kitchen. On occasion, a client would ask me to cater a small dinner party or a special event. I learned many lessons from my first dinner party when I realized how different it was from preparing and packaging two week's worth of meals and leaving them in the freezer. Fortunately, it wasn't a total disaster.

I hope the following tips will help you have a successful party that you and your guests will enjoy. Stress-free entertaining requires planning and practice; however, keeping things simple will go a long way toward easing your anxiety.

1. For your first dinner party, invite no more than 4-6 guests. Even six people can be pushing it and become overwhelming for your initial adventure. Suppose everyone decides to mingle in your kitchen? Would you feel comfortable?
2. If you are culinarily challenged, look into alternatives to the traditional dinner party. You could have a pot-luck meal and suggest recipes for your guests to bring. Or, get restaurant take-out and dress it up with your own personal additions.
3. Plan a simple meal with no more than two or three items. Add hors d'oeuvres and dessert if you like. I suggest cooking something you like or feel comfortable preparing.
4. You do not have to cook everything yourself. There are many quality products you can buy from a gourmet or specialty shop that will complement your homemade dish.

Your first dinner party can be fun for you and your guests. The more you practice, the more confidence you will gain. If something does go awry, laugh it off and your guests will, too. In the end, it may just become a golden memory you will laugh about for years to come.